Arthritis is a form of joint disease that can really put a damper on an active soul.
You can’t do the activities you love, and the simplest of movements may feel difficult for you. Running, jumping or climbing the stairs can be unbearable as it feels like a heavy load is weighing you down.
Arthritis of the knee is the most common form, and is a degenerative condition that affects 13% of women and 10% of men aged 60 years or above.
While knee exercises are great for pain management, a knee brace can be pretty helpful too. A knee brace can yield a positive outcome when coupled with the right exercises and weight loss tactics.
Here’s how using a knee brace can help with arthritis pain:
1. Relieve Kneecap Pain
Kneecap pain can occur due to the softness of the cartilage beneath it. A neoprene knee brace with a cut-out for the kneecap can immensely help in this case.
The brace helps stabilize excessive bone movement and relieves kneecap pain.
The American Journal of Orthopedics published a study in 2016 that analyzed 31 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The research proved that patients who used knee braces experienced significantly less pain, fewer arthritis symptoms and improved ability to participate in daily activities.
2. Provide Support to Your Knee
Apart from reducing pain, wearing a brace can cushion your knee so that you experience more comfort while doing daily tasks.
Some patients also claim that using a brace is a gentle reminder to them to be alert about the amount of pressure they put on their knees, causing them to move with more caution.
3. Motivation to Exercise
When you feel a reduction in knee pain and you’re getting enough support from your knee brace, you’ll be motivated and confident to be more active. This brings about better healing and an improved quality of life.
Before using a knee brace, it is recommended that you consult with an orthopedic surgeon. Proper guidance on knee braces is necessary to manage arthritis pain.